Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump warned Wednesday that the United States would respond forcefully if Oman cooperated with Iran to restrict access through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.
During a White House Cabinet meeting, Trump reportedly said he would “blow up” Oman if the longtime U.S. ally assisted Iran in efforts to jointly control maritime traffic through the narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to global trade routes.
The comments followed Iranian state media reports claiming Tehran and Oman were discussing a memorandum of understanding that would establish joint oversight of vessel traffic in the strait. White House officials quickly rejected the report, calling it a “complete fabrication.”
Trump insisted the Strait of Hormuz constitutes international waters and argued that no single nation should control access. “Nobody is going to control it,” Trump said, adding that the strait “is going to be open to everybody.”
The remarks come as U.S. and Iranian negotiators continue discussions surrounding a possible ceasefire framework and broader nuclear negotiations after months of escalating regional tensions. The Strait of Hormuz remains strategically important because roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes through the corridor.
Critics condemned Trump’s rhetoric toward Oman, which has historically served as a diplomatic intermediary between Washington and Tehran. Raed Jarrar, advocacy director for Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN), described the comments as reckless and questioned the administration’s approach toward a longstanding regional partner.
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